I woke up feeling great this morning! I was worried because I had felt so bad yesterday morning and I wasn't sure how Imy legs would be today. I couldn't believe how great I felt, even better than on day one! We left the hotel at 6:07 and today it was just Billie and I. I love a day that starts out a little cool. Then to top it off there were 4 miles of downhills and flats to get to the bottom of Afton. That's the good stuff!
Then the climb began. I kept telling myself that it was only 2 and half miles. I ride almost 5 miles to work...this is half that. Up we went. Billie was way ahead of me, but I just focused on my ride and took my time. I think I like it more when people are ahead of me because it forces me to not focus on them and just concentrate on my ride. We climed that mountain in 30 minutes. It was unbelieveable! It hurt, it was a long climb, and my muscles were screaming, but it was amazing! I kept thinking about all the people who were thinking about the climb this morning and who were rooting for me. I swear I could feel you all pushing me up the mountain. As I got to the top and looked back at the magnificent view I thought...well now, would you look at that...just look at what we did...and how far we've come. Yep...my sister was right. The road I am on has very little to do with geography. Then I cried, ate homemade chocolate and started down the mountain.
Three miles down...talk about getting the blood going! That wind felt like it passed right through me filling me up and renewing my strength as I went. I have never felt more alive than I did while we were flying down that mountain "hoopin' and hollerin'" as we went! The biggest smile you have ever seen spread from ear to ear! When we hit the bottom, it was 8:40.
The next 10 miles or so were very nice rolling hills and flat stretches. So relaxing and beautiful. The smells of morning were fantastic.
Coming into Charlottesville, there was a bit of climbing to do, but the heat was the real kicker. The heat index was 97 here and no shade to be found. We stopped at a grocery store where we met JD and I said goodbye. They wished me luck and JD gave me directions for heading out of town.
The first thing I did when I left them was get off of the route. I just took a wrong turn, but of course that turn was a half mile downhill which means I just had to turn around and pedal uphill again. I asked a 928 year old woman if she knew how to get to the Cavalier Inn and I have included our conversation below:
Me: Hi. I'm sorry to bother you, but do you know where the Cavalier Hotel is?
Precious lady: I believe that is right by where the Red Lobster used to be.
Me: ........sigh.......blink...Thank you. :)
I have found that people do not know distance. People also do not know what flat is. I have heard countless times..."Oh yeah, it's pretty much flat when you get to that intersection".
No...it isn't...ever. This is going to be great comedy someday.
I was planning on heading to Zion Crossroads, but it worked out that I just stayed in Charlottesville. The pieces of that fell right into place and this is exactly where I needed to be tonight.
I ate a most excellent burger, fabulous fries and a salad for dinner. I'm sunburned and sleepy, but very happy.
Tomorrow, I will be riding to almost Richmond. If I'm feeling really good I'd like to make the ride all the way in. It's 71 miles, but there aren't any mountains left from here to the coast and I have all day. That's the plan at least.
Much love...and thank you!
Surly Long Haul Trucker
My ride to the beach! :)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Day 2 - Buena Vista to Waynesboro - 42.80 miles
The day started out pouring down rain, but it didn't last long. By the time I arrived at the Hardee's to meet JD and Billie it had stopped. We had a big breakfast and went over the route for the day. JD took the van to Vesuvius and headed back toward us, while Billie and I left from Hardees and toward Vesuvius. The ride started out on a 2.5 mile road that wasn't steep enough to call a hill, but a weird incline that was in between gears. My muscles were screaming and aching and I was really worried about how I was going to make it through the day. Billie was way ahead of me and I saw that she had stopped. I pulled over and we decided that it couuldn't go up forever. Sure enough in another 100 yards there was the best downhill EVER! :) It seemed to go on forever and I hit 42 mph. The next 8 miles were a beautiful ride.
It ran right beside a river and was shaded and just perfect. On our first break we ran into the first members in an Adventure Cycling tour. They stopped and talked to us while we rested and that's where we met JD. There were two other small climbs, that I had to walk some of, but I made it. On the way down from the second climb I saw two cows standing in the road. At first I just saw that they were two big animals and my initial thought was...I did NOT bring enough pepper spray. The sheriff was riding by and stopped when he saw me. He said that he didn't know who the cows belonged to. There were about 6 total. I assured him that they were not mine. Knowing that Vesuvius was just a few miles ahead, I started to tell him that if he felt the need to put me in that air conditioned car and take me up the mountain and question me...I would have no choice but to comply.
At the bottom of Vesuvius we got to the van and took another break. I will tell you now, that we loaded the bikes up on the van and drove the mile out of the valley. It was CRAZY steep and I couldn't do it. I figure if I ride one mile in a car out of the 300, I can live with that.
The ride into Greenville was a dream. The rolling hills were smooth and easy and the view was spectacular. I was very slow, but it was such a relaxing ride I didn't even mind. Turns out that overpacked was an understatment. We stopped for lunch at Subway in Greenville.
I did a much better job of resting, eating, and just taking care of myself in general. I tried to give myself a break and just relax and pedal and not worry about my speed. I stopped and took pictures when I wanted and I just took in the sounds around me. The river, birds, the wind... it was amazing.
We got into Waynesboro about 3:00 this afternoon. We are at the foot of Afton mountain and I'm looking forward to facing the mountain in the morning with fresh legs.
When I saw the sign showing 5 miles from our destination, I was overwhelmed once again. I can't believe that this is happening and that I have made it through day 2. The whole thing is still so surreal. I've dreamed and planned about this trip for so long and now that's its here, and really happening.
I was sitting in my hotel room (a most fantastic room at that) when I received a text from my friend Meredith. She was asking where I was and I updated her. The next message that came through was a picture of the hotel...from the parking lot with a caption that said, "Surprise"! I couldn't believe it! She and another friend Stacy had come all the way from Roanoke to visit and cheer me on! I was blown away... Apparently, they had been scheming all day on Facebook, but I hadn't even checked my page.
There was a time when I had one friend...and I didn't even treat that person well. I was selfish and self consumed and miserable. Today, two friends rode 100 miles just to show me they cared. They also brought homemade chocolates. I was bombarded with encouraging texts and Facebook posts on my personal wall as well as the riding for a reason wall. How does one get from that miserable person to here? I don't really know, but I wouldn't trade a second of this life for any of the old. Thank you. Thank you all for being a part of my life, this journey and another day.
It ran right beside a river and was shaded and just perfect. On our first break we ran into the first members in an Adventure Cycling tour. They stopped and talked to us while we rested and that's where we met JD. There were two other small climbs, that I had to walk some of, but I made it. On the way down from the second climb I saw two cows standing in the road. At first I just saw that they were two big animals and my initial thought was...I did NOT bring enough pepper spray. The sheriff was riding by and stopped when he saw me. He said that he didn't know who the cows belonged to. There were about 6 total. I assured him that they were not mine. Knowing that Vesuvius was just a few miles ahead, I started to tell him that if he felt the need to put me in that air conditioned car and take me up the mountain and question me...I would have no choice but to comply.
At the bottom of Vesuvius we got to the van and took another break. I will tell you now, that we loaded the bikes up on the van and drove the mile out of the valley. It was CRAZY steep and I couldn't do it. I figure if I ride one mile in a car out of the 300, I can live with that.
The ride into Greenville was a dream. The rolling hills were smooth and easy and the view was spectacular. I was very slow, but it was such a relaxing ride I didn't even mind. Turns out that overpacked was an understatment. We stopped for lunch at Subway in Greenville.
I did a much better job of resting, eating, and just taking care of myself in general. I tried to give myself a break and just relax and pedal and not worry about my speed. I stopped and took pictures when I wanted and I just took in the sounds around me. The river, birds, the wind... it was amazing.
We got into Waynesboro about 3:00 this afternoon. We are at the foot of Afton mountain and I'm looking forward to facing the mountain in the morning with fresh legs.
When I saw the sign showing 5 miles from our destination, I was overwhelmed once again. I can't believe that this is happening and that I have made it through day 2. The whole thing is still so surreal. I've dreamed and planned about this trip for so long and now that's its here, and really happening.
I was sitting in my hotel room (a most fantastic room at that) when I received a text from my friend Meredith. She was asking where I was and I updated her. The next message that came through was a picture of the hotel...from the parking lot with a caption that said, "Surprise"! I couldn't believe it! She and another friend Stacy had come all the way from Roanoke to visit and cheer me on! I was blown away... Apparently, they had been scheming all day on Facebook, but I hadn't even checked my page.
There was a time when I had one friend...and I didn't even treat that person well. I was selfish and self consumed and miserable. Today, two friends rode 100 miles just to show me they cared. They also brought homemade chocolates. I was bombarded with encouraging texts and Facebook posts on my personal wall as well as the riding for a reason wall. How does one get from that miserable person to here? I don't really know, but I wouldn't trade a second of this life for any of the old. Thank you. Thank you all for being a part of my life, this journey and another day.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Salem to Buena Vista - 61.70 miles
What a beginning! I was headed up Kessler Mill road on the bike path when I saw a turtle walking along. A nice reminder that slow and steady wins the race. Just what I needed. :)
I had the biggest dumbest smile on my face for the longest time. And it was a relaxing ride all the way to Troutville where I stopped for a snickers and an energy drink. Note to self...don't do that again. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and 17 miles of riding without food wasn't smart. Lesson learned. As I was getting ready to pull out of the convenience store, a little irritated with myself, I heard a bicycle bell. Am I hallucinating? No! It was a man named Craig who was working his way from Oregon to New Jersey. He was on his 21st tour and New Jersey is the only state he hasn't ridden in (except for Hawaii). He was so nice and I enjoyed talking to him. We rode together for about 3 minutes...after 21 tours, he was a bit faster than me. He passed by and yelled, "I'm impressed and proud!" Again...just what I needed.
I met my friend JD as I was leaving Troutville. No way I was making it to Buchanan by 9:00 as planned, but he was in no hurry. We stopped at Greenwood Restaurant for breakfast. The waitress must be familiar with bikers coming through. She had a glass of water waiting when I walked in the door. Very cool!
JD and I rode for awhile from Buchanan until almost Natural Bridge. We split up and he rode back to his car and met me at a gas station. I was beat. I hadn't eaten properly and I was completely exhausted. It wasn't pretty. He asked if I wanted a ride to Buena Vista, but I declined. We were sitting and talking about tomorrow's route and 3 other bikers came up. This brought the total to 11 total! One of them was from England and this was their first cross country trip. We parted ways and I headed on alone. About a mile down the road I began thinking that I had made a terrible mistake by not accepting the ride. I was 43 miles into the trip and not feeling well at all. I was frustrated that I was moving so slow. I walked up some hills and I will tell you that I didn't think they would end! I would get up and hill, fly down the other side, and there was another hill. I had to break it down and just focus on the task at hand. One hill, one crank of the pedal, one minute at a time. It’s funny though, every time I stopped and checked my phone there were tons of messages. Each one making the next piece of the ride seem possible. I can’t thank you all enough for your words and good thoughts.
As I passed Jellystone Park in Natural Bridge, heading into Glasgow, I started to get my rhythm back. I stopped for some food and more Gatorade and was beginning to feel like a person again. The smile was back and I was feeling a bit more hopeful.
I took a road by the river after Glasgow and that was when everything turned around. She shade from the trees and the beautiful sunshine was amazing! The ride was smooth and I was feeling accomplished and really beginning to believe that I was going to make it! I was only 9 miles away...and by the way, it was the longest...9...miles...ever! :)
I know that many of the people who care about me believed I could do this from the start. I wasn't so sure. I still wasn't sure even when I started out this morning.
As I turned the corner onto the street where my dad lives, I was almost overwhelmed with emotion. I was so happy! I was blown away that I had made it! The physical aspect of this first day was trying, there's no doubt, but the real battle was a mental one. I learned some valuable lessons about how to take care of myself and I hope by doing so, I will have a better stand against the battle tomorrow.
I'm leaving here at 7:00 and hope to make it to Charlottesville. I’m going to work to get over Afton Mountain, and if I do that, I will feel good about the day. Much love.
I had the biggest dumbest smile on my face for the longest time. And it was a relaxing ride all the way to Troutville where I stopped for a snickers and an energy drink. Note to self...don't do that again. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and 17 miles of riding without food wasn't smart. Lesson learned. As I was getting ready to pull out of the convenience store, a little irritated with myself, I heard a bicycle bell. Am I hallucinating? No! It was a man named Craig who was working his way from Oregon to New Jersey. He was on his 21st tour and New Jersey is the only state he hasn't ridden in (except for Hawaii). He was so nice and I enjoyed talking to him. We rode together for about 3 minutes...after 21 tours, he was a bit faster than me. He passed by and yelled, "I'm impressed and proud!" Again...just what I needed.
I met my friend JD as I was leaving Troutville. No way I was making it to Buchanan by 9:00 as planned, but he was in no hurry. We stopped at Greenwood Restaurant for breakfast. The waitress must be familiar with bikers coming through. She had a glass of water waiting when I walked in the door. Very cool!
JD and I rode for awhile from Buchanan until almost Natural Bridge. We split up and he rode back to his car and met me at a gas station. I was beat. I hadn't eaten properly and I was completely exhausted. It wasn't pretty. He asked if I wanted a ride to Buena Vista, but I declined. We were sitting and talking about tomorrow's route and 3 other bikers came up. This brought the total to 11 total! One of them was from England and this was their first cross country trip. We parted ways and I headed on alone. About a mile down the road I began thinking that I had made a terrible mistake by not accepting the ride. I was 43 miles into the trip and not feeling well at all. I was frustrated that I was moving so slow. I walked up some hills and I will tell you that I didn't think they would end! I would get up and hill, fly down the other side, and there was another hill. I had to break it down and just focus on the task at hand. One hill, one crank of the pedal, one minute at a time. It’s funny though, every time I stopped and checked my phone there were tons of messages. Each one making the next piece of the ride seem possible. I can’t thank you all enough for your words and good thoughts.
As I passed Jellystone Park in Natural Bridge, heading into Glasgow, I started to get my rhythm back. I stopped for some food and more Gatorade and was beginning to feel like a person again. The smile was back and I was feeling a bit more hopeful.
I took a road by the river after Glasgow and that was when everything turned around. She shade from the trees and the beautiful sunshine was amazing! The ride was smooth and I was feeling accomplished and really beginning to believe that I was going to make it! I was only 9 miles away...and by the way, it was the longest...9...miles...ever! :)
I know that many of the people who care about me believed I could do this from the start. I wasn't so sure. I still wasn't sure even when I started out this morning.
As I turned the corner onto the street where my dad lives, I was almost overwhelmed with emotion. I was so happy! I was blown away that I had made it! The physical aspect of this first day was trying, there's no doubt, but the real battle was a mental one. I learned some valuable lessons about how to take care of myself and I hope by doing so, I will have a better stand against the battle tomorrow.
I'm leaving here at 7:00 and hope to make it to Charlottesville. I’m going to work to get over Afton Mountain, and if I do that, I will feel good about the day. Much love.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Q & A:
Here we are in the final days before the trip. It’s gotten here so quickly! People have been asking me a ton of questions lately and I thought I would try to answer some of them today.
Q: Why in the world are you doing this?
A: My initial goal when I began all of this was to cross the country…but even I knew that was too big of a step right away. That’s still a dream, but it’s a long way down the road. I thought that a trip across the state would be an excellent short term goal.
Q: Are you going alone?
A: Not for the whole trip. I have a friend (JD) who has crossed the country before and he is going to come along for a few days. He won’t be biking the whole way. He will be meeting me and riding for awhile, then turning around and going back to his van. He is also going to give me the option of riding up Vesuvius in a van and not on the bike. It’s a 4 mile climb that is VERY steep. I will probably take him up on this offer. This isn’t a race, or a competition. I want to have fun. I also want to live through the event. :)
Q: How long will it take?
A: My intention is to be there on Wednesday, June 1st, and that is 6 days.
Q: How many miles are you going to ride a day?
A: I’m planning on 50-60 miles a day until I get over Afton Mountain. Then I will be able to up the miles to 70-80 a day. I’m just going to take my time and enjoy the journey. If I want to stop and at tourist sites, then I will. I have all day, every day to ride.
Q: Are you camping?
A: No, I’m staying in hotels. All of the gear to get started in touring was expensive and I just didn’t have the extra funds to get the camping gear. I will pick that stuff up over time. Next time I hope to do some camping.
Q: I see you out on the roads all the time. I wanted to blow the horn, but I was afraid I would scare you. Is it ok?
A: Absolutely! People are always blowing the horn when they pass me. It's a little beep of encouragement. I would like it if people didn't lay on the horn though. :)
Q: Can I text you while your on your trip?
A: Again...absolutely! I may not get to return them all, but I will do my best! Any words of encouragement are welcome. Thanks!
If you have any additional questions, please either comment here or go to the “Riding for a Reason” community page on Facebook. I’m happy to answer any questions you have.
I'm leaving at 6:00 am on Friday. I can't wait to begin this adventure!
Q: Why in the world are you doing this?
A: My initial goal when I began all of this was to cross the country…but even I knew that was too big of a step right away. That’s still a dream, but it’s a long way down the road. I thought that a trip across the state would be an excellent short term goal.
Q: Are you going alone?
A: Not for the whole trip. I have a friend (JD) who has crossed the country before and he is going to come along for a few days. He won’t be biking the whole way. He will be meeting me and riding for awhile, then turning around and going back to his van. He is also going to give me the option of riding up Vesuvius in a van and not on the bike. It’s a 4 mile climb that is VERY steep. I will probably take him up on this offer. This isn’t a race, or a competition. I want to have fun. I also want to live through the event. :)
Q: How long will it take?
A: My intention is to be there on Wednesday, June 1st, and that is 6 days.
Q: How many miles are you going to ride a day?
A: I’m planning on 50-60 miles a day until I get over Afton Mountain. Then I will be able to up the miles to 70-80 a day. I’m just going to take my time and enjoy the journey. If I want to stop and at tourist sites, then I will. I have all day, every day to ride.
Q: Are you camping?
A: No, I’m staying in hotels. All of the gear to get started in touring was expensive and I just didn’t have the extra funds to get the camping gear. I will pick that stuff up over time. Next time I hope to do some camping.
Q: I see you out on the roads all the time. I wanted to blow the horn, but I was afraid I would scare you. Is it ok?
A: Absolutely! People are always blowing the horn when they pass me. It's a little beep of encouragement. I would like it if people didn't lay on the horn though. :)
Q: Can I text you while your on your trip?
A: Again...absolutely! I may not get to return them all, but I will do my best! Any words of encouragement are welcome. Thanks!
If you have any additional questions, please either comment here or go to the “Riding for a Reason” community page on Facebook. I’m happy to answer any questions you have.
I'm leaving at 6:00 am on Friday. I can't wait to begin this adventure!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Single Digits
Well, it’s official…we are now in the single digits of the countdown! First, let me say that I am so grateful for the support and encouragement so many have shown over the last several weeks, and really since this whole thing started! I’m touched by how many have stopped to offer words of kindness. I can’t tell you how much it means to me. Thank you.
I also wanted to post the link to the new ‘Riding for a Reason’ Facebook page. For every person that ‘likes’ the page, I will donate a nickel to a local charity. This quarter (April, May and June) is dedicated to the Roanoke women’s shelter. I will also post the link to donate to that if you are interested.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Riding-for-a-Reason/160783397317484
https://secure20.salvationarmy.org/donation.jsp
If you donate, be sure to enter Turning Point under specific use. I’m pleased to say that this week I received the first outside donation to the quarterly endeavor. Last year a friend donated to the cause when she hit her 1,000 mile mark for the year! Thank you all!
Ok, there’s the business out of the way.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
I also wanted to post the link to the new ‘Riding for a Reason’ Facebook page. For every person that ‘likes’ the page, I will donate a nickel to a local charity. This quarter (April, May and June) is dedicated to the Roanoke women’s shelter. I will also post the link to donate to that if you are interested.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Riding-for-a-Reason/160783397317484
https://secure20.salvationarmy.org/donation.jsp
If you donate, be sure to enter Turning Point under specific use. I’m pleased to say that this week I received the first outside donation to the quarterly endeavor. Last year a friend donated to the cause when she hit her 1,000 mile mark for the year! Thank you all!
Ok, there’s the business out of the way.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Friday, May 13, 2011
14 Days!
Two weeks from today I will be on the road to the beach! Woohoo! Last night I bought what I hope to be the final major pieces for the trip. A tire pump, camelback, another pair of biking shorts, and two water bottles.
It’s funny how all of this has just fallen in to place in the last week or so. Wednesday night I went to Lowes to find some kind of fastener for my bike bag. I’ve been using bungee cords, but I was worried about them for the long trip. The guy that helped me really took the time to talk to me about what I was looking for and we searched all over that store for something that may help. Finally he said, “I know what you need, but we don’t sell them here.” Then he walked out to his own truck and gave me to army surplus straps that will be perfect! I tried to give him money, but he wouldn’t take it. How nice is that?!?!
Yesterday I did an interview for an article in the newsletter where I work. It was really neat to share the story again. I’m hopeful that people enjoy following along as much as I enjoy making the trip. And if nothing else, I’m hopeful that it inspires at least one person to try something new.
My sister told me yesterday, “Just remember…where you are going on the road trip may have nothing to do with geography”. I’m finding that to be more and more true everyday. This trip is becoming less about the final destination and more about the adventure and the lessons learned in the journey. I’m learning a great deal about myself and that I’m capable of much more than I expected. I can’t wait to see where this ride leads!
It’s funny how all of this has just fallen in to place in the last week or so. Wednesday night I went to Lowes to find some kind of fastener for my bike bag. I’ve been using bungee cords, but I was worried about them for the long trip. The guy that helped me really took the time to talk to me about what I was looking for and we searched all over that store for something that may help. Finally he said, “I know what you need, but we don’t sell them here.” Then he walked out to his own truck and gave me to army surplus straps that will be perfect! I tried to give him money, but he wouldn’t take it. How nice is that?!?!
Yesterday I did an interview for an article in the newsletter where I work. It was really neat to share the story again. I’m hopeful that people enjoy following along as much as I enjoy making the trip. And if nothing else, I’m hopeful that it inspires at least one person to try something new.
My sister told me yesterday, “Just remember…where you are going on the road trip may have nothing to do with geography”. I’m finding that to be more and more true everyday. This trip is becoming less about the final destination and more about the adventure and the lessons learned in the journey. I’m learning a great deal about myself and that I’m capable of much more than I expected. I can’t wait to see where this ride leads!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Quicksand
It’s amazing how I let my thoughts get the best of me. I start to doubt my preparedness, my ability, and my heart, and the next thing you know the fear creeps in. Then I get stuck in the fear, and the more I fight it without taking action, the worse it gets and the deeper I sink…like quicksand. It started with my thinking about the climbs on the upcoming trip and wondering if I was capable of making them.
So I took some action. I got up and went on a ride. Every time I came to the end of a road where I had an option of going uphill or not, I took the hill. Little by little, crank by crank, I made them all. Now, I didn’t break any land speed records, but I got to the top. I’ll tell you some good stuff too…there is nothing like the ride down after a trip to the top.
I also started laying out the supplies for the trip. I now have a dining room table filled with the equipment I will need. I love seeing it there. It motivates me. Only a few more items left on the list. It’s really coming together now.
I added the handlebar bag this weekend as well. My friend helped me redo my brakes so that the lines go through the brackets and don’t hinder my braking ability. Pretty important for the ride down the mountain. Then he helped me mount the headlight back on that I broke while attaching the bag.
It looks like a great week for riding here in the Star City… I look forward to making another trip to the top of Mill Mountain this week as well.
So I took some action. I got up and went on a ride. Every time I came to the end of a road where I had an option of going uphill or not, I took the hill. Little by little, crank by crank, I made them all. Now, I didn’t break any land speed records, but I got to the top. I’ll tell you some good stuff too…there is nothing like the ride down after a trip to the top.
I also started laying out the supplies for the trip. I now have a dining room table filled with the equipment I will need. I love seeing it there. It motivates me. Only a few more items left on the list. It’s really coming together now.
I added the handlebar bag this weekend as well. My friend helped me redo my brakes so that the lines go through the brackets and don’t hinder my braking ability. Pretty important for the ride down the mountain. Then he helped me mount the headlight back on that I broke while attaching the bag.
It looks like a great week for riding here in the Star City… I look forward to making another trip to the top of Mill Mountain this week as well.
Monday, May 2, 2011
25 Days...
Wow…where did the last year go? I can’t believe how quickly it went! It seems like just yesterday that I was picking up my ‘birthday’ bike and now I’m about to embark on a 350 mile journey to the coast. I must tell you that I really didn’t think it would happen. Sure I’ve talked about it to anyone that would listen, but in the back of my head I had serious doubts.
Nevertheless, here I am. The bike has been purchased; all of the necessary spare equipment is in hand, the route plotted, and the date set. That’s the easy part. The challenge is more mental than anything.
I bounce between believing beyond a shadow of a doubt that I can do this, to believing beyond a shadow of a doubt there is no way I can. I go from thinking I’m crazy for even trying to thinking, I’ll never know if I don’t try. I don’t want to wake up one morning thinking about the things I never did. I would much rather relive the memories of actually doing them. Win or lose. Make it or not.
If I have to walk up some of the mountains, so be it. If I have to rest for a day, that’s ok too. This is my journey and I can take my time, set my pace, and enjoy the trip.
I look forward to the opportunity and to sharing it with those who would like to follow it.
Nevertheless, here I am. The bike has been purchased; all of the necessary spare equipment is in hand, the route plotted, and the date set. That’s the easy part. The challenge is more mental than anything.
I bounce between believing beyond a shadow of a doubt that I can do this, to believing beyond a shadow of a doubt there is no way I can. I go from thinking I’m crazy for even trying to thinking, I’ll never know if I don’t try. I don’t want to wake up one morning thinking about the things I never did. I would much rather relive the memories of actually doing them. Win or lose. Make it or not.
If I have to walk up some of the mountains, so be it. If I have to rest for a day, that’s ok too. This is my journey and I can take my time, set my pace, and enjoy the trip.
I look forward to the opportunity and to sharing it with those who would like to follow it.
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